The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) The NCTA is the nation’s oldest multicultural arts presenting organization. For over eight decades, through festivals, tours, symposia, exhibits, and media productions, the NCTA has showcased the very best of the myriad grassroots folk, tribal and ethnic cultures that comprise our diverse nation.
It is with deep sadness we announce that Joseph T. Wilson, Chairman of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2015. While Joe had been ill for a very long time, this news still comes as a shock. Joe was Executive Director of the NCTA for 28 years (1976 to 2004), a larger-than-life figure whose impact throughout the field of the folk and traditional arts, and beyond, was profound. More information regarding arrangements and future commemorative events will be posted as soon as they become available.
It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Joe’s life, work and legacy be made to the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) to support programs that promote and benefit the Blue Ridge Music Center and the artists of the Blue Ridge region.
